Category: Protection

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God on the Mountain

I was reading the story of the king of Syria attacking the king of Israel this morning. It touched a chord in my heart.

Benhadad, the Syrian king, led his armies in an attack of Ahad, the king of Israel, on mountain terrain. The smaller army of Ahad defeated the Syrian army. The prophet of God, went to Ahab after the battle and told him that Benhadad would attack him again in the Spring, so he needed to be prepared.

This is what Benhadad’s advisors had told him.

“Meanwhile, Benhadad’s officials went to him and explained: Israel’s gods are mountain gods. We fought Israel’s army in the hills, and that’s why they defeated us. But if we fight them on flat land, there’s no way we can lose.” I Kings 20:23 CEV

This is what the prophet of God told Ahab.

“The Israelites also prepared to fight. They marched out to meet the Syrians, and the two armies camped across from each other. The Syrians covered the whole area, but the Israelites looked like two little flocks of goats.

28 The prophet went to Ahab and said, ‘The Syrians think the Lord is a god of the hills and not of the valleys. So he has promised to help you defeat their powerful army. Then you will know that the Lord is in control.’”

Sometimes we are like Benhadad’s army. We see God as being limited to a particular situation or circumstance in our lives. We think, “Yes, God did this but hey, this is a big ask and I’m not sure that I can trust God in this situation.”

I’m here to tell you that our God on the mountain is also our God in the valley. He is faithful, trustworthy, always there – even in the presence of our enemies.

“I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me,
and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe. 5 You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows.” Psalm 23:4-5 CEV

God is faithful. His promise to never leave us or abandon us holds true no matter where we are!

There’s a song that really has an impact on my life every time I hear it. I hope you will follow this link and listen to it today. But just in case you don’t, let these words encourage your heart. “God on the Mountain” by Linda Randel

“Life is easy, when you’re up on the mountain
And you’ve got peace of mind, like you’ve never known
But things change, when you’re down in the valley
Don’t lose faith, for you’re never alone

For the God on the mountain, is still God in the valley
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right
And the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times
The God of the day, is still God in the night

You talk of faith when you’re up on the mountain
But talk comes so easy, when life’s at its best
Now it’s down in the valley of trials and temptations
That’s where your faith is really put to the test

For the God on the mountain, is still God in the valley
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right
And the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times
The God of the day, is still God in the night
The God of the day, is still God in the night”

No matter where you are today, God is right there with you!

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My Defense

Years back a friend sent me this picture, She knew I could probably come up with a few thoughts to share.

I’ve seen leaves like this before, holey and destroyed. Beetles would eat the leaves of the trees. The leaves that fell to the ground were so badly eaten that only a shell of veins and stem were left. There was great danger that shade trees which had been growing for years would be destroyed.

When the beetles first came into the area, they were unnoticed or ignored, but they quickly multiplied and their ravenous appetites made them very destructive.

You know sin is like that – at first it’s hidden or even ignored. But if left to its self, it brings destruction. So how do we eradicate it? How do we stop the harmful effects?

“Great blessings belong to those who don’t listen to evil advice, who don’t live like sinners, and who don’t join those who make fun of God. 2 Instead, they love the LORD’s teachings and think about them day and night. 3 So they grow strong, like a tree planted by a stream— a tree that produces fruit when it should and has leaves that never fall. Everything they do is successful.” Psalm 1:1-3 ERV

We protect the tree, our heart, from evil influences and it will grow strong. Jesus referred to us as trees that bear fruit.

“If you want good fruit, you must make the tree good. If your tree is not good, it will have bad fruit. A tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. 34 You snakes! You are so evil. How can you say anything good? What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts. 35 Those who are good have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. 36 I tell you that everyone will have to answer for all the careless things they have said. This will happen on the day of judgment. 37 Your words will be used to judge you. What you have said will show whether you are right or whether you are guilty.” Matthew 12:33-37 ERV

When we have our heart filled with good things, we love the Lord’s teachings and we think on them day and night, we will be like a tree whose leaves never fall.

We’ve all been through times when leaves have dropped from our branches that are diseased and full of holes, but GOD has provided the way to health and healing from the bugs that attack us.

“I study your teachings very carefully so that I will not sin against you. 12 Lord, you are worthy of praise! Teach me your laws.” Psalm 119:11-12 ERV

As we stay firmly planted, His life-giving water (the Word) will be our defense against predatory bugs that seek to destroy us!

“Be my Rock, my place of safety. Be my fortress, and protect me! You are my Rock and my protection.” Psalm 71:3 ERV

Praise and worship the Lord who is our defense!

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Bravery & Boldness

Bravery: displaying courage, especially when facing danger or adversity. A brave person might face challenges head-on, despite feelings of fear.

Boldness: a daring spirit or the willingness to take risks. A bold individual doesn’t just face challenges but does so audaciously.

When we trust the Lord He will give us both bravery and boldness.

Think of David facing Goliath. Courage in the face of danger and the willingness to take the risk.

“ David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me using sword, spear, and javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have said bad things about him. 46 Today the Lord will let me defeat you. I will kill you. I will cut off your head and feed your body to the birds and wild animals. And we will do the same thing to all the other Philistines too. Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel. 47 All the people gathered here will know that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to the Lord, and he will help us defeat all of you.” I Samuel 17:45-47 ERV

Bravery and Boldness has always been at the forefront of the life of those who followed God. Hundreds of years later, the Christians were facing persecution. They were imprisoned, beaten, and even killed.

“They were upset because of what Peter and John were teaching the people. By telling people about Jesus, the apostles were teaching that people will rise from death. 3 The Jewish leaders arrested Peter and John and put them in jail. It was already night, so they kept them in jail until the next day.,, 24 When the believers heard this, they all prayed to God with one purpose. They said… 28 These people who came together against Jesus made your plan happen. It was done because of your power and your will. 29 And now, Lord, listen to what they are saying. They are trying to make us afraid. We are your servants. Help us to say what you want us to say without fear. 30 Help us to be brave by showing us your power. Make sick people well. Cause miraculous signs and wonders to happen by the authority of Jesus, your holy servant.”

31 After the believers prayed, the place where they were meeting shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak God’s message without fear.” Acts 4 ERV

We may not experience arrest and beatings because we speak out for Jesus, but we may. We may lose friendships, business relationships and standing in social circles. It’s time for bravery and boldness.

The Apostle Paul penned these words: “I am not ashamed of the Good News. It is the power of God. It is the way He saves men from the punishment of their sins if they put their trust in Him. It is for the Jew first and for all other people also.” Romans 1:16 NLV

Be grateful that the Lord has called us to be brave and bold. It means that He is investing His power to change lives through us.

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Keep Us From Falling

This morning, I woke up thinking about mountain goats. Strange right?

I’ve seen them on our trips through Glacier National Park and other places in Montana. They are majestic animals and their ability to scale the mountainside is unparalleled.

How do they keep from falling?

It’s a question we should ask ourselves from a spiritual point of view. Falling for deception, falling into complacency. Falling into routine. Falling away from our First Love.

“ God is strong and can keep you from falling. He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and give you great joy. 25 He is the only God, the one who saves us. To him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, now, and forever. Amen.” Jude 1:24-25 ERV

God created each of us with a free will. We are free to choose whether we follow Christ or not. No one will be in heaven who was forced to be there against their will. But we must all yield our will to the Father so that we honor Him and live the best life that He has planned for us.

“ Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.” Romans 12:2 ERV

If we let Him, God will change our desires and our way of thinking to conform to what He knows is right and true.

“ Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. 9 And do what you learned and received from me—what I told you and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 ERV

When Jesus encountered people – those who needed physical healing, deliverance, forgiveness, those who needed the Father’s love, He would often say to them “Go your way and sin no more”. In other words, go on your way, changed by the power of God and change your lifestyle to honor Him.

“The love of Christ controls us, because we know that one person died for everyone. So all have died. 15 He died for all so that those who live would not continue to live for themselves. He died for them and was raised from death so that they would live for him. 16 From this time on we don’t think of anyone as the world thinks of people. It is true that in the past we thought of Christ as the world thinks. But we don’t think that way now. 17 When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new!” II Corinthians 5:14-17 ERV

Many times, I pray. “Father, forgive me for doing that again. I am truly sorry, I give you my will. I desire to do those things that please you. You have made me new”.

Repentance is the conviction of the Holy Spirit, reminding us that we were created for better things in Christ.

Let me leave you with these thoughts:

“God is the one who gives me strength. He clears the path I need to take. 33 He makes my feet as steady as those of a deer. Even on steep mountains he keeps me from falling.” Psalm 18:32-33 ERV

“Lord, you be the judge and prove that I have lived a pure life. I have depended on you, Lord, to keep me from falling.” Psalm 26:1 ERV

God created the mountain goat to be able to scale rocky mountain sides. He is more than able to keep us from falling when we submit our will to Him!

Be thankful for steady feet.

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In Times of Trouble

In times of trouble I am thankful!

“I love you, Lord! You are my strength. 2 The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, my place of safety. He is my God, the Rock I run to for protection. He is my shield; by his power I am saved. He is my hiding place high in the hills. 3 I called to the Lord for help, and he saved me from my enemies! He is worthy of my praise!
4 Death had its ropes wrapped around me. A deadly flood was carrying me away. 5 The ropes of the grave wrapped around me. Death set its trap right there in front of me. 6 In my trouble I called to the Lord. Yes, I cried out to my God for help. There in his temple he heard my voice. He heard my cry for help…” Psalm 18:1-6 ERV

I’m never sure when I begin my morning writings who the Lord is wanting to speak to, I always know He has a message for me and I hope the words of the Bible are touching you as well.

I have been through those times when I felt death grip me. I have been through the valley of the shadow of death for me and those in my family. And I cried out for help and I KNOW He heard my cry.

“Lord, you are faithful to those who are faithful. You are good to those who are good.
26 You never do wrong to those who have done no wrong. But you outsmart the wicked, no matter how clever they are. 27 You help those who are humble, but you humiliate the proud.
28 Lord, you provide the flame for my lamp. You, God, turn the darkness around me into light. 29 With your help I can defeat an army. If my God is with me, I can climb over enemy walls.

30 God’s way is perfect. The Lord’s promise always proves to be true. He protects those who trust in him. 31 There is no God except the Lord. There is no Rock except our God. 32 God is the one who gives me strength. He clears the path I need to take.33 He makes my feet as steady as those of a deer. Even on steep mountains he keeps me from falling.
34 He trains me for war so that my arms can bend the most powerful bow. 35 Lord, you have given me your shield to protect me. You support me with your right hand. It is your help that has made me great.” Psalm 18:25-35 ERV

Every wall that the enemy has set to hedge you in God has given you the strength to climb over. He has given you protection and support. He is an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Once again the words of a song are coming up in my heart.

“All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God” Bethel Music

In times of trouble lift your voice and sing of the goodness of God.

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In The Light

Last year Dave bought this great flashlight.

We can sit on our porch and see clearly into the desert across the road. The light beam can be focused on one spot, or it can cast a broader light. It’s so helpful in seeing those things that create the crunching sounds in the underbrush.

Not sure why that came to mind, but I know enough when I have an abstract idea like this to stop and listen to what the Lord is saying to my heart.

“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:105 ERV

There it is – this is what the Lord wanted me to dwell on.

Just like that flashlight with its bright beam the Lord’s word gives light to our path and guides our steps. And with both the natural and the spiritual light there are shadows; however, we don’t need to fear what might be hiding there.

“ Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me. ” Psalm 23:4 NLV

When we follow the path the Lord has for us there is no need to be afraid of the shadows. He will lead us and He will protect us on this journey.

“ Later, Jesus talked to the people again. He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never live in darkness. They will have the light that gives life.’” John8:12 ERV

It’s interesting to see how these verses tie together. The Psalms say the Word is a lamp and a light. Jesus is called the “Word made flesh” in John 1:1-2 and then Jesus, himself, said “I am the light of the world”.

When people ask why I put so much time reading the Bible and studying God’s word the answer is simple. “These are the words of life”.

“Teach children in a way that fits their needs, and even when they are old, they will not leave the right path.” Proverbs 22:6 ERV

“ So listen, my son, and be wise. Always be careful to follow the right path.” Proverbs 23:19 ERV

There may be rough spots along the path; there even may be danger but we have His promise to be with us. In fact, the Bible tells us He will never leave us or abandon us.

Walk in the light of God’s word. It’s the right path to follow!

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Good Fruit & A Solid Foundation

I love the stories of the Bible!

Jeus taught in visuals because they made an impact. This morning, I have two to share with you; listen to what Jesus has to say.

“‘A good tree does not produce bad fruit. And a bad tree does not produce good fruit. 44 Every tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. You won’t find figs on thorny weeds. And you can’t pick grapes from thornbushes! 45 Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.

46 ‘Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but you don’t do what I say? 47 The people who come to me, who listen to my teachings and obey them—I will show you what they are like: 48 They are like a man building a house. He digs deep and builds his house on rock. The floods come, and the water crashes against the house. But the flood cannot move the house, because it was built well.

49 “But the people who hear my words and do not obey are like a man who builds a house without preparing a foundation. When the floods come, the house falls down easily and is completely destroyed.’” Luke 6:43-49 ERV

These are just a few of teachings that come from what many call the Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus had a large crowd who had come to hear Him teach. In the verses just prior to these He taught on the importance of not judging others, of loving their enemies and of hungering for the things of the Lord.

Now He was using an analogy they could understand and visualize. The teaching on the tree reminds me of a tree we have here in Arizona, the ornamental orange tree. It’s a beautiful tree with brightly colored oranges. Upon closer look you will see that it has large thorns, like spikes on its branches next to the fruit. If you try to eat the fruit it is horrible tasting, not even the wild animals who are herbivores will eat it. It looks good but it is bad to the core.

Jesus compared the bad fruit to a bad heart. When our hearts are good, our fruit is pure.

He went on to use one more analogy. A truth that contractors still use today. Dig down and build on a firm foundation. Houses with shoddy construction are the first to fall in a storm.

“The Lord is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety—” Proverbs 18:10 CEV

Building on a firm and solid foundation, we can stand during the storm and provide shelter for others. Kind of like the three little pigs – house of straw, house of sticks and a house of bricks.

Linking the two analogies together we get a solid house built on a foundation of God’s word, surrounded by trees (our lives) filled with good fruit. A very inviting place to live.

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Under A Cloud

The other night after the rains had stopped, this was the view from our porch. The end of the day, clouds filled the sky and the sun was peaking over them one more time before setting for the night.

I love clouds.

Not everyone does. Some think that they are living under a dark cloud, a cloud of depression and worry. A cloud that blocks them from seeing the sun. Oh, that can be crushing to the spirit.

When I see the clouds I think of the Lord’s protection and guidance.

The children of Israel were led out of Egypt by Moses, not really knowing which way to go but they were headed to a “promised” land. God had promised a good, fertile land to Abraham hundreds of years before. That’s where the Lord was taking them.

The Egyptians pursued them with chariots and horses and the first thing the Lord did was cover the Israelites with a cloud.

“ The Lord led the way. During the day, he used a tall cloud to lead the people. And during the night, he used a tall column of fire to lead the way. This fire gave them light so that they could also travel at night. 22 The cloud was always with them during the day, and the column of fire was always with them at night.” Exodus 13:21-23 ERV

When the Temple was built by Solomon it is recorded that a cloud filled the Temple. The cloud was a sign of God’s presence with His people.

“When the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the Lord’s Temple. 11 The priests could not continue their work because the Temple was filled with the Glory of the Lord. 12 Then Solomon said, ‘The Lord caused the sun to shine in the sky, but he chose to live in a dark cloud.'” I Kings 8:9-12 ERV

And finally, there is one more reference to clouds that I want to share this morning.

“…Tell us, are you the Messiah, the Son of God?’ Jesus answered, “Yes, that’s right. But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right side of God. And you will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matthew 26:64 ERV

Oh, how I am looking for that day! The day of the Lord’s return!

I wait for it with excitement, anticipation and joy. The Lord’s return to earth. What a glorious day that will be!

Oh dear one, don’t dread the clouds. Live under the cloud of the Lord’s protection, enjoy His presence, live in His glory and await His return!

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Hidden Dangers

Just a couple of days ago I shared the verses from Deuteronomy 28 – the blessing verses. A couple of those say “blessed in the city and in the field”, “blessed coming in and going out”. Then Psalm 91 says

“God will save you from hidden dangers
    and from deadly diseases.
4 You can go to him for protection.
    He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies.
    You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield.
5 You will have nothing to fear at night
    and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day.
6 You will have no fear of diseases that come in the dark
    or terrible suffering that comes at noon.
7 A thousand people may fall dead at your side
    or ten thousand right beside you,
    but nothing bad will happen to you!
8 All you will have to do is watch,
    and you will see that the wicked are punished.
9 You trust in the Lord for protection.
    You have made God Most High your place of safety.
10 So nothing bad will happen to you.
    No diseases will come near your home.
11 He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go.
12 Their hands will catch you
    so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.
13 You will have power to trample on lions
    and poisonous snakes.
14 The Lord says, “If someone trusts me, I will save them.
    I will protect my followers who call to me for help.
15 When my followers call to me, I will answer them.
    I will be with them when they are in trouble.
    I will rescue them and honor them.
16 I will give my followers a long life
    and show them my power to save.” Psalm 91:3-16 ERV

This seems to be such a good word in light of the events of the last few days. The dangers in life are hidden from our view so many times, but God is faithful!

He is always near to provide and protect! I will put my hope and trust in Him.

We need to be willing to die for our faith, but we do not need to be afraid. The Apostle Paul lived daily with the thought that his life could be taken but it did not stop him from proclaiming the gospel. He did not fear.

“ I honestly expect and hope I will never do anything to be ashamed of. Whether I live or die, I always want to be as brave as I am now and bring honor to Christ.

21 If I live, it will be for Christ, and if I die, I will gain even more.” Philippians 1:20-21 CEV

Let us continue to boldly live for Christ without fear, knowing that our Father walks each day with us.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for those who are in fear over the conditions of our world. I pray that they are flooded with a sense of your peace and protection. Let your words bring confidence to their hearts. May they know if they should walk through the valley of the shadow of death, they can fear no evil for you are with them. Amen. and Amen.”

Father, I trust you!

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Finding Strength

We all face hard times and discouraging circumstances. This morning, I was reminded to look up especially when we feel like hanging our heads and giving in. We need to look up in order to find the way out.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 KJV

God’s name is a place! His name means ever present, peace, healer, righteousness, provider, I AM!

Run into that place – run into God and find safety and peace; find help, find rest!

“Please listen, God, and answer my prayer! 2 I feel hopeless, and I cry out to you from a faraway land. Lead me to the mighty rock high above me. 3 You are a strong tower, where I am safe from my enemies. 4 Let me live with you forever and find protection under your wings, my God.” Psalm 61:1-4 CEV

I’m not sure why this is the message for today. I just kept hearing the Father say, “I’m the way out – I’m the provider – I’m the deliverer. I AM all that is needed.”

“I look to the hills! Where will I find help? 2 It will come from the Lord, who created heaven and earth. 3 The Lord is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble. 4 The protector of Israel doesn’t doze or ever get drowsy. 5 The Lord is your protector, there at your right side to shade you from the sun. 6 You won’t be harmed by the sun during the day or by the moon at night. 7 The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. 8 The Lord will protect you now and always wherever you go.” Psalm 121 CEV

This is our confidence – this is our strength. These are the words of our Father, the one who never lies!

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